Exciting Interview with Jason Sperling!!
Posted by Molly on February 8, 2014
That's Weird Grandma TWG Weekly Update
Barrel of Monkeys is happy to have long-time Company Member Jason Sperling Guest Directing “That’s Weird, Grandma”. Artistic Director Molly Brennan interviewed Jason. Look what he has to say about Barrel of Monkeys, That’s Weird, Grandma and this week’s show!
From your perspective, what is the history of “That’s Weird, Grandma”?
When it started, we just really wanted the chance to share these stories with our friends and the general public. Matt Miller had the idea initially I think, and he and Halena talked with The Neofuturists about using their space on Mondays nights, traditionally a “dark night” for theatre. Originally it was the same group of Monkeys performing every week, for long stretches of time. We also had understudies when we started: Tom and Oona! I think most of us did the show every week for a year when we started. As the company expanded and our lives and careers got busier, we switched to what we do now: “rounds” of 5-6 weeks that the actors commit to be in. It’s great to be able to swap stories in and out depending who’s in the cast, and to revisit old favorite stories from time to time. Here’s a look at one of our earliest casts.
What are some of your most memorable moments as an actor in a school show and/or That’s Weird, Grandma?
Just being around for some jaw-dropping things. Erica breaking her foot during an early TWG performance, throwing up offstage, and finishing the show. Spat proposing to Halena on-stage during our post-show speech. Watching stories over and over and laughing so hard each time at what people are creating. Seeing the kids’ faces during the school shows and hearing their comments, talking back to the characters. Finding just the right costume or prop, usually for no good reason.
As this is your first time as Director of “That’s Weird, Grandma”, can you tell us what that process is like?
Seeing what stories are in the round of TWG prior to the round you’re directing, and choosing which to keep in based on the cast changeover and the pace/tone of the show. Looking for stories to put in to give each actor a chance to shine. Rethinking stories for different people playing the parts or adapting to the Neofuturist space vs. in the school. Trying to get a running order that keeps the energy flowing and separates stories that might have similarities or the same actors while not giving anyone an insane costume change or difficult transition.
What can we look forward to this week in terms of new stories?
This week we’re bringing back The Shopping Habit, a tale of grandma knowing the best way to break an addiction to buying things. For one of the tallest men in our company, Brad Stevens plays an incredible grandma! We’re also featuring the TWG debut of a story from a school show this past year - it’s an untitled piece based on a picture, and is about a very evil scientist. Immanuel Guest took that character and ran with it, making it one of my favorites from performing at that school.
What’s the secret password for discounted tickets?
Dangerous projects!
